Clippings from the Pennsburg Town and Country newspaper, Saturday, July 25, 1903

DROWNED IN A SWOLLEN BROOK

James SCANLAN and Arthur FRIDHOFER, ?? year old boys, of Ardmore, were drowned together on Monday afternoon in a small stream near their home. The boys had recently found sport in jumping into the brook but neither could swim, undressing and leaving their cloths on the bank the boys jumped into the swollen stream together but not into one foot of water as they supposed as the rains had raised it to a depth of five feet. Another boy found their clothing and as there was no sign of the boys anywhere the stream was dredged and their bodies found at the bottom.

SWALLOWED HIS TEETH

Joseph WATKINS, an employe in the ??ldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, was overcome by the heat on Monday and swallowed his false teeth. He was removed to a hospital and after ?? hour's hard work on the part of the physicians the teeth were removed from the unfortunate man's throat. The patient is in a serious condition.

THE DEATH LIST

Minnie KAUFFMAN, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Chas. L. KAUFFMAN, postmaster and proprietor of the village store, of Zion Hill, died at ten o'clock Sunday forenoon after a week's illness with inflammation of the bowels. After graduating from the Zion Hill school deceased attended the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown and quiet recently was elected teacher of the Penn school, in her native township for the coming term. She is survived by her parents and ten brothers and sisters, two having preceded her to the grave. The funeral will take place on Saturday afternoon. Services at the house at 1 o'clock, followed by services and interment at the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Coopersburg.

Abner W. ROSENBERGER, the well known merchant of Skippack, died on Saturday evening at Charity Hospital, Norristown, from Bright's disease, aged 41 years, 9 month, and 16 days. He was proprietor of the Enterprise Store for a long time. He is survived by his wife. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. Interment at Wentz's Church. Rev. S.M.K. HUBER will officiate.

Preston J. MOORE, one of the best known hotel men in Eastern Pennsylvania, died, aged 55, at his home, No. 1501 Poplar street, Philadelphia on Thursday. He was born and raised in Allentown, where he conducted a millinery store for a number of years. He afterwards went to Philadelphia and about twenty-five years ago became proprietor of the Windsor Hotel from which he retired several years ago on account of ill health and moved to Pennsburg where he bought the American House. He stayed here for two years and then went back to the Windsor again from which he retired permanently two years ago. He is survived by his father, Thomas MOHR, of Philadelphia, aged 81; one brother, Harvey MOORE, of Allentown, and two sister, Mrs. Emma SCHWARTZ, of Pennsburg, and Mrs. Alice REICKERT, of Philadelphia. One brother, James, and one sister, Mrs. Edwin YEAGER, preceeded him in death. The funeral will be held from his late residence on Monday at 9 o'clock a.m., after which the remains will be taken to Allentown to St. John's Reformed church, cor. of 6th and Walnut streets, where services will be held at 12.30 p.m. Interment on Fairview Cemetery. Rev. J.L. ROUSH, of Pennsburg, will officiate both at Philadelphia and Allentown.

LOST PURSE CONTAINING $21

While making his weekly trip to Philadelphia on Wednesday to lay in a stock of supplies, Henry STAHSEL, of this borough, lost his purse containing $21. Mr. STAHSEL had his wallet out to pay a bill and stuck it, as he thought, into his inside vest pocket, but on reaching for it again he found it gone. He has come to the conclusion that instead of putting it in the pocket he merely stuck inside of the vest and that it later dropped out.

MONTGOMERY MAN QUALIFIES FOR WEST POINT

A young son of Major ARNOLD, of Ardmore has been appointed as a cadet at West Point by Congressman WANGER. Two other appointees disqualified themselves, one by marriage, the other by removal from the county.

ROYERSFORD MAN ADJUDGED A BANKRUPT

In the United States District Court on Tuesday Valentine BECK, a retail shoe dealer, of Royersford, was adjudged a voluntary bankrupt. Liabilities, $4277.29; assets, $1815. Referee, C. Henry STINSON.

FATHER OF LARGE FAMILY DEAD

Lewis M. SCHALLER, a former resident of Lehigh county, died at Redington, Northampton county, Pa. Mr. SCHALLER was the father of 30 children, 19 of whom survive. He was 63 years of age, and was twice married.

NO MORE INSANE PATIENTS FOR BERKS' ALMSHOUSE

The Poor Directors of Berks county, have decided that no more insane patients will be received at the County Home. In the future such patients will have to await their turn at the overcrowded asylums or be confined to jail.

RINGING OF BELL DRIVES OFF ROBBERS

Thieves pried open the window shutter at the home of John WEITZEL, at Fritztown Berks county, and were about ready to enter through the window when Mr. WEITZEL heard them. He came downstairs to see what was going on, when one of the thieves shot at him. Mr. WEITZEL ran upstairs and rang a large handbell at the open window. The thieves fired two more pistol shots and then disappeared. When Mr. WEITZEL gave the alarm his neighbors quickly responded. A posse was formed and a search for the robbers was begun, but they made good their escape.

REMOVED BONE FROM BOYS HEAD TO SAVE LIFE

The surgeons of Charity Hospital, Norristown, this week removed a piece of bone from the skull of Robert SANDS, aged nine, and saved his life. The lad had been hit on the head with a base ball bat almost two weeks ago, by one of his playmates. For some time it was not feared that any serious consequences would follow until Tuesday, when it was found that the skull was fractured and that the broken portion was pressing on the brain.

FARM HAND FALLS FROM HAY MOW

Richard COX a farm hand in the employ of Mr. KENDALL, of Centreville, fell from a hay mow to the barn floor below on Monday evening. He sustained severe injuries about the face, neck and shoulder. No bones were fractured.

FARMER COMMITS SUICIDE

Caleb REA, an East Coventry, farmer committed suicide by hanging. He was found hanging in the barn suspended by a plow line, by his daughter. Fancied grievance are ascribed as the probable cause for the rash act.

GROUND HOGS

The farm owned by Wm. ARNOLD and Company, of Reading, located near Harlem, has for long years been known as the ground hog farm and it well deserves the name. The farm is tenanted by Phares NUSS and he and his hired help have killed 13 so far this summer. Those who are familiar with the tract, conservatively estimate that it is the home of from two to three hundred of the rodents. Large numbers of holes, the homes of the pest, are to be found in many of the fields. Several veins of rich iron ore runs through the tract from East to West.

STUBBORN BOY TRIES TO COMMIT SUICIDE

Being scolded by his foster father on Wednesday morning for neglecting to take the cows to pasture, Allen WALTER, the twelve-year-old adopted son of Levi HARTLINE, of Saegersville, placed a teaspoonful of Paris green on an apple and ate it with the intention of committing suicide for spite. In half an hour he began to throw up violently and got so sick that he confessed. He has a very stubborn temper, which it is thought got the better of him when he was scolded.

CARELESSNESS RESULTS IN BIG LOSS

Some matches dropping from the pocket of a workman on the farm of Daniel FORRY, near Lancaster, the other day got into the thresher and were ignited. In a short time, with no water near, the barn, a tobacco shed and six other buildings were destroyed, together with this year's crops and the implements. The loss is about $15,000.

CANINES TO BE TREATED LIKE EDITORS

Burgess FRETZ, of Lansdale, wants the dog muzzling law observed during July and August. He threatens to resuscitate the dog-catcher if his orders are not obeyed.

FIRE DESTROYS A WAGON SHED

During the heavy thunder storm which passed over Hill Church on Tuesday afternoon the large wagon shed of John NESTER about two miles from this place was struck by lightning and totally destroyed with about two thousand sheaves of rye and a reaping machine. The building was 21x31 feet and standing but seven feet from the barn. A new tin roof placed on the barn by Irvin KEHS, who had just completed the work as it commenced to rain, saved that building. A bucket brigade was organized and a hole cut through which large quantities of water were poured to save the building. The heavy downpour of rain and the accompanying hail did considerable damage in the vicinity. The loss through the fire is about $600. The building was insured in the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Boyertown.

PASTOR LEADS A STRENUOUS LIFE FOR 25 YEARS

Rev. A.J. BACHMAN has just completed the 25th year as pastor of the Reformed Church, at Schaefferstown, near Lebanon, and a report of his work during that period shows the following interesting statistic: Marriages, 693; funerals, 156; baptisms, 2079; confirmations, 1168; received on certificate, 311; delivered 4400 lectures and addresses; raised $35,000 for congregational purposes and $5,000 for benevolent purposes; traveled 72,000 miles.

SAFE CRACKERS AT COOPERSBURG

The Newcomer bakery at Coopersburg was broken into and the safe broken open, but Mr. NEWCOMER had only some small change left in it, amounting to about 75 cents. A number of old and rare coins of the face value of about $10 were overlooked or not wanted. The house of William YODER was entered and a pair of new shoes stolen. Petty thieves have also been operating around Center Valley.

FUN BUT NO WISDOM

A number of boys of Lower Salford this week lit an empty powder keg in the street. A small quantity of powder had remained in the keg and on becoming ignited an explosion followed. One of the flying pieces struck Abraham LANDIS, son of Henry LANDIS. The flames on the flying fragment singed the hair on the boy's arm and his eyebrows.

KIDNAPPER CAPTURED

Garfield A. AYRES, of Conshohocken, attempted to kidnap the daughter of Robert ELLIOT, of Norristown. He picked up the girl, held her in his arms and started to run across the fields with her. Several men pursued him and on overtaking him handled him roughly. The man has been lodged in jail at Norristown.

A BIG CATCH OF FISH

Llewellyn WYNING, Harry Fred and Thomas HECKMAN, of Reading, caught 350 pounds of eels, catfish and carp and a few bass at Douglassville. One of the carp measured 39 inches and weighed 18 1/ 2 pounds. Six others measured 30 inches each.

FEROCIOUS BOAR ATTACKS FARMER

William M. MATTHIAS, a farmer of Shanesville, Berks county, was driving an old boar, when the animal became infuriated and turned upon him. His arms and legs were badly lacerated by the boar's tusks. The boar was fought off by farm hands and was finally killed.

LIGHTNING BOLT HITS TREE NEAR HOUSE

A large cedar tree in the yard of John I.C. GERY, of East Greenville, was on Wednesday noon struck by a bolt of lightning. The tree was shattered. Mr. GERY was just taking dinner at the time and he at first thought the electric bolt had entered the house.

PUBLIC SALE OF HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS

A public sale of household furniture, carpenter tools and numerous other articles, the property of the late Henry G. SMITH, will be held at Hoppenville by William H. SMITH on Saturday August 1.

BOY SET FIRE TO HAY MOW, IS BURNED TO DEATH

Edgar the four-year-old son of John BONHALL, of Millersville, Lancaster county, was taken to bed by his mother on Monday afternoon to take a nap. The mother laid down along side of the boy and fell asleep. During her nap the boy got out of bed, grabbed some matches and proceeded to the hay mow in the barn. In some manner he set the matches on fire and ignited the hay. The smoke entering the house, awaken the mother. The barn could not be saved and when entirely consumed a portion of the child's body was found in the blackened ruins.

LEAVES FOR ANOTHER HERD OF JERSEY CATTLE

T.S. COOPER, the well known importer of Jersey cattle, of Coopersburg, left on Wednesday for Europe, on the American liner St. Paul, from New York for Southampton. He expects to visit the best herds of cattle in Europe and to make the best selections of Jersey cattle on the island that can be found. He expects to return on the White Star liner Cyrmic, Capt. THOMPSON, commander.

CHILD'S FACE AND THROAT TORN BY VICIOUS DOG

A five-year-old son of George ENTENMAN, of Norristown, was attacked by a large dog on Tuesday while the boy was at play. The animal tore the child's face and throat and would probably have killed him had not William STEWART beaten the animal off with a club.

HAYMAKER FELL AND DISLOCATED SHOULDER

Richard BUCK, of Hillegass, while trying to rearrange a power hay fork last Saturday lost his footling and fell. In falling he grasped a beam with his left arm and dislocated the shoulder. Dr. W.H. HUNSBERGER was called to reduce it.

TELEPHONE WIRES TORN DOWN BY STORM

While a severe thunder storm passed to the south of Pennsburg, on Wednesday afternoon, an electric current broke the wires of the main line of D. & A. Telephone Company, at Red Hill, and burned out the instrument in the store of George M. WELKER.

FIRE DESTROYS BARN

The storm on Monday marked its wake by fire in Upper Salford, near Salfordville. At about half past five a bolt of lightning struck the barn of Alfred P. STYER, while the family were partaking of their evening meal. Flames at once burst out and as there were no means at hand to extinguish them the building was doomed. Mr. and Mrs. STYER at once rushed to the burning building and succeeded in rescuing the live stock, consisting of eight cows, three heifers and three horses. By the time these were removed to a place of safety the fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to remove the farming implements. The entire building with the machinery and the crops of this season were destroyed. The out buildings were saved by the timely arrival of neighbors who organized a bucket brigade, obtaining water from a near-by well. The dwelling of Mr. STYER was not at any time in danger as the wind was favorable. The barn was built twenty-eight years ago and was owned by Mr. STYER who estimates his loss at $3000, partly covered by insurance in the Union Mutural Insurance Company, of Norristown.

BITTEN BY HALF SNAKE, CURED BY CHICKEN

While William SLEIGH, of Gerhartville, Centre county, was picking huckle-berries he met a rattlesnake ready coiled to attack him. He cut the snake in two with a small hatchet that he carried but before he could withdraw to a safe distance the part bearing the head fastened itself on the thumb of SLEIGH. After considerable difficulty he pulled it off and hurried to a nearby residence. A chicken was secured, cut into halves and the parts applied to the snake bite and kept there until cold. This process saved the man's life as he is declared to be out of danger.

AIR CURRENT PULLED GIRL UNDER TRAIN

Martha OLECKFAK, of Cementon, was run over by a train on Thursday and killed. The girl, who was 11 years old, was standing in the door of a box car looking at a passing express train on an adjacent track. The passing train created a current of air through the freight car. Her dress was drawn out and caught on the passing train. She was pulled from the car, hurled on the tracks and crushed to death.

A BIG DAY'S WORK BY OLD TIME METHODS

Persons who know how to handle a grain cradle for an entire day are not plenty these days, and few cradlers remain to boast of their tales in the harvest field. William HECK, of Lorah, who is 74 years old, cradled in one day five acres of wheat which he says reminds him of the days 50 years ago, when all the wheat was cut in this manner.

BODY TURNED BLACK

Edward F. HUNTSMAN, of East Stroudsburg, died from a disease that puzzled the doctors for a long time. Three years ago HUNTSMAN went to South America, returning six months ago a wreck physically. Black spots appeared on his body, with a hardening of the flesh. All efforts to check the disease failed. Two weeks ago his body began to swell and slowly increased until he died. His body gradually hardened, turned black and grew to twice its natural size. The disease is known as Venezuela malaria. A wife survives him.

FOUR HUNDRED DOLLAR PLACE GOES BEGGING

The postoffice at Academy, Lower Merion township, will probably be discontined today. For six months the office has gone begging for a postmaster. John H. DOLAN resigned the postmastership in January, and has since kept the office open for "accommodation only," and in the hope that the vacancy might be filled. No one wants the $400 a year place apparently, and the Postoffice Department has given notice that if there are no applicants for the vacant postmastership by July 25 the postoffice will be closed.

HORSES DOCTOR IN TROUBLE

William H. GREEN, colored, formerly of Pottstown, living at Coventryville, was arrested last Friday on the charge of practicing veterniary surgery without a license. His special line was the filing of the teeth of horses. It is claimed that the "doctor" also prescribed for sick horses and at times secured money under false pretense.

HICCOUGHS FOR WEEKS

After weeks of intense suffering, Wm. DAMPMAN, of Reading, has found relief from an attack of hiccoughs. The attack began June 17 as a result of stomach disorders, and although the best medical aid was called in consultation the hiccoughs were not checked until Thursday. The attack lasted from several days to a week at a time. Once they continued eight days and nights. Death was momentarily expected. For several weeks he was unable to partake of any nourishment and food had to be injected into the stomach. When admitted into the hospital he weighed 120 pounds. He has been in the hospital a month and lost 50 pounds.

ARRESTED FOR NON SUPPORT

Constable A.J. DRESSLER, of this borough, went to Reading last Saturday to arrest Thomas KEELOR on oath of his wife for none support. The fugitive was not in the city at the time and Constable DRESSLER gave the warrant into the hands of a detective with instructions to arrest KEELOR on his return. On Sunday morning a telegram arrived asking Constable DRESSLER to come to Reading at once and fetch his prisoner. The constable returned with the prisoner on Sunday afternoon and took him to the office of Justice H.J. SMITH, where he was given a hearing. Mr. KEELOR and his wife adjusted their difficulties and together went to their home.

A TEN DAYS CAMP

The following members of the Liberty Fire Company, of Allentown, left last Saturday for Zionsville, where they will camp for ten days on the ZIEGLER farm: Frank NONNEMACHER, Jesse ZIEGLER, Christ. THUMM, Jr., George HECKROTH, Julius ECKERT, Wharton WETHEROLD, Wm. OTT, John and Peter GINKINGER, Harvey STERNER and John and Charles WIEDER. Theodore HUFFORT will cook for the camp. The party has leased the farm house for their sleeping and eating quarters.

MACUNGIE MAN IS GRANTED A NEW PATENT

Horace F. NEUMEYER, of Macungie, had issued another patent, bearing date of July 7, for an adjustable and noiseless ball cock, used at bath tubs and closets. It works automatically and is about the best article for the use intended on the market. Mr. NEUMEYER already has orders for large number and has facilities to turn them out quckily.

BIG HAUL OF SUMATRA TOBACCO

Thieves entered the cigar factory of Samuel KLAPP, of Richland, Berks county, and stole 800 pounds of Samatra tobacco valued at $2500.

PASTOR'S RESIGNATION NOT ACCEPTED

The consistories of the Old Goshenhoppen Reformed charge met at Keelor's church last Saturday and refused to accept the resignation of their pastor, Rev. J.L. ROUSH. Previous to the meeting congregational meetings had been held by the Keelor's, Old Goshenhoppen and Sumneytown churches and each of these congregations decided unanimously not to accept the resignation. The consistory of the Pennsburg congregation had circulated a petition against the acceptance of the resignation. This was signed by 157 members. The majority of the consistory of this congregation, armed with the petition, were in attendance at the meeting last Saturday and the meeting was a unit in refusing to accept the resignation of Rev. ROUSH.

FELL FROM LOAD OF HAY

Henry SHELL one of the foremost farmers of Corning finished haying last Saturday, the last load being a remarkably large and fine one. On the way home the load received a sudden jerk and threw Mr. SHELL, who had been doing the loading, forcibly on the ground. His face is considerably scratched and both wrists were severly strained, otherwise no damages were sustained.

WILL START BULL FROG FARM

C.W. KEITER, of Kutztown, owns a marshay tract of land which he is now fitting up as a bullfrog farm. He expects to raise the greenbacks in large numbers for market. The pond is being enclosed with a high fence to prevent poaching and incidentally to discourage athletics on the part of restless prisoners.

A SNAKE OF STONE AND CRYSTAL

J.S. STRUNK, of Bangor, Northampton county, has a petrified snake which he took from a bed of limestone at the Washington Slate Quarry a few days ago. It is 17 inches long and to inches of dark stone, while the rest is of crystal, the backbone of the reptile being visible in the clear crystal. From the same bed of linestone Mr. STRUNK took a petrified clam.

SMALLPOX AT NORRISTOWN

Mrs. George DEITZ, of Pittsburg, the wife of one of the employes on the new Court House, developed a case of smallpox, on Monday. The house in which the disease made its appearance has been quarantined and the patient removed to the Municipal Hospital, at Chester.

HORSE CUT UP BY MOWING MACHINE

A horse of Jacob GABLE, near Gablesville, while hitched to a mowing machine with Francis, his son, in charge, became unruly and fell over the tongue and a hind leg came in contact with the knives, cutting arteries and tendons. The animal had to be killed.

TALL TIMOTHY

Jeremiah SCHULTZ, of Hereford, has a ten acre field of timothy that measures five feet. He brought several stalks to this office that measured five feet eight inches, this is remarkable and hard to beat.

MISCREANT STABS HORSE

Some unknown person entered the barn of Irwin HOCH, of Maiden Creek, Berks county, and stabbed a valuable roan horse to death.

A BIG DAY'S WORK

James WENDLING, of near Hereford, picked 160 quarts of raspberries in one day last week.

MILK DEALER FINED

State Food Inspector R.M. SIMMERS had C.F. GACKENBACH, of Alliance, arrested on a charge of selling adulterated milk. The arrested milk dealer confessed that milk sold to his customers contained preservative, which is composed largely of formaldehyde. GACKENBACH was fined $50 and costs amounting in all to $69.26.

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